Survive This Economy: Using Homemade Cleaning Products

Homemade cleaning products made from ingredients like white vinegar, Borax, lemon juice and Castile soap can be just as effective as name-brand products from the store, at a fraction of the cost. (Credit: CBS)

CHICAGO (CBS) — Four ingredients – that’s all you need to cut the cost of cleaning your home. CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker says they are four things you probably already have, and one of them is free.

On a day devoted to cleaning, Sinora Wright uses a plethora of products worth more than $50.

“It’s been one of the biggest grocery costs that we have,” she said.

It’s a cost Sinora wants to reduce. The best way is to do it herself.

Vivian Panou, with the Earth Friendly company, which produces green products, helped Sinora learn to make her own cleaning products.

Panou explained you really only need four main ingredients: hot running water, baking soda, lemon juice, and the most important ingredient: white vinegar.